Part D is a voluntary outpatient prescription drug benefit that is delivered through private health plans contracting with Medicare. All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for Part D, and may choose and join a Medicare Part D plan. Costs and coverage for different plans and specific drugs vary, so it is important for patients to evaluate plan options in light of their prescription needs when selecting a plan. Patients can learn more about Part D options and enroll in a plan at www.medicare.gov.

2009 Part D Patient Expenses1
Premium	Deductible	Co-insurance
Varies by plan National base beneficiary premium is $30.36	Varies by plan $0 to $295 per year	Varies by plan Co-payment or co-insurance (usually 25%) until $2,700 total in drug costs (including deductible) Patient pays all costs until total out-of-pocket drug costs reach $4,350 (coverage gap) Nominal co-payment (usually 5%) through end of year

1. Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15 - Covered Medical and Other Health Services; section 50.3